🎓 AI in Education, New Superintendents, Student Attendance Navigating the K–12 Landscape

📰 HEADLINES FROM YESTERDAY

🏛️ FEDERAL & NATIONAL

🤖 AI Regulation in Education Under Scrutiny

Educators express concern over proposed federal legislation that would ban states from regulating artificial intelligence in schools for the next decade, fearing unchecked AI use could impact student welfare.

📉 Teacher Absenteeism Rates Surge Post-Pandemic

A Brookings Institution study reveals a significant increase in teacher absenteeism across multiple states since the pandemic, highlighting challenges in staffing and continuity of instruction. 

🏞️ STATE + LOCAL NEWS FROM YESTERDAY

🏫 Michigan Aims for Top-10 K–12 Ranking

Michigan education leaders convene to strategize elevating the state’s K–12 system into the national top 10, focusing on funding, curriculum, and teacher support. 

🚶 Innovative Approach to Student Attendance in Spokane

Staff at Regal Elementary in Spokane, WA, implement home visits and community walks to boost student attendance, fostering stronger school-family connections. 

🔄 LEADERSHIP MOVES FROM YESTERDAY

✅ New Superintendent Appointments

• Dr. Abram Lucabaugh – Superintendent, Centennial School District (PA)

  🔗 LinkedIn

  Lucabaugh’s appointment follows a narrow board vote amidst community concerns over his previous tenure. 

• Dr. Alicia Sigee – Superintendent, West Orange-Cove CISD (TX)

  🔗 LinkedIn

  With 17 years in education, Sigee aims to advance student initiatives and community engagement. 

• Jennifer Voyik – Superintendent, South Hadley Public Schools (MA)

  🔗 LinkedIn

  Voyik steps into her new role focusing on curriculum development and student achievement. 

• Heather Austin – Superintendent, Belmont-Harrison Joint Vocational School District (OH)

  🔗 LinkedIn

  Austin brings experience in vocational education to her new leadership position. 

📂 Superintendent Openings

• Seattle Public Schools – Superintendent position open

• Clark County School District (NV) – Superintendent search underway

• Modoc Joint Unified School District (CA) – Superintendent vacancy announced

🧪 Research to Know

🧠 Title: Birmingham City Schools Lead Study on Student Motivation and Math Achievement

📚 Source: PR Newswire 

Summary:

Birmingham City Schools spearhead a research initiative examining the correlation between student motivation strategies and improved math performance, aiming to inform instructional practices and policy decisions.

🔬 Implication: Game-based, mastery drivern math programs help students learn math

📱 SOCIAL MEDIA TRENDS FROM YESTERDAY

🧵 X (Twitter): Superintendent Appointments Spark Discussion

The appointment of Dr. Abram Lucabaugh in Pennsylvania trends under #CentennialSD, with educators and parents debating leadership decisions.

🔄 Reddit: AI in Classrooms Debate

A thread in r/education discusses the implications of AI tools in classrooms, with educators sharing experiences and concerns about technology integration.

r/education AI regulation May 2025

🎥 TikTok: Teachers Share Classroom Innovations

Educators showcase creative teaching methods and student engagement strategies, using hashtags like #InnovativeTeaching and #ClassroomCreativity.

🎬 Hashtags: #TeacherLife |

📌 ACTION ITEMS FOR SUPERINTENDENTS

• Evaluate: Review AI policies and consider the impact of potential federal regulations on district technology use.

• Address: Develop strategies to mitigate teacher absenteeism and ensure instructional continuity.

• Engage: Foster community involvement in attendance initiatives, drawing inspiration from Spokane’s approach.

• Collaborate: Participate in state-level discussions to elevate educational standards and rankings.

From superintendent appointments to AI policy debates and student mental health insights—today’s developments are pivotal for educational leadership.

See you tomorrow.

Ram Gangisetty

Eductaor since 2007.

P.S. 📩 Forward The SuperBrief to your board or another Superintendent friend. Shared insight drives unified leadership.